Basic Knowledge of Tarot Cards
Tarot began in 15th-century Europe, first as a card game popular in Italy, France, and other regions. By the 18th century, tarot cards gradually merged with mysticism and divination, developing into a unique system of fortune-telling. A standard tarot deck consists of 78 cards, divided into two main categories:
- 22 Major Arcana cards: Representing significant life events and turning points
- 56 Minor Arcana cards: Focusing on daily life details, divided into four suits (Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles)
During a reading, the tarot reader interprets symbols and positions of cards drawn through a process of shuffling, cutting, and drawing, based on the querent's questions, to reveal future trends or answers to problems. However, tarot cards aren't infallible prediction tools; they're more like mirrors reflecting the querent's subconscious and current state. Therefore, the right mindset and proper usage methods are essential.
What Are the Tarot Reading Taboos?
When using tarot cards, there are several widely acknowledged taboos to observe. These taboos not only concern reading accuracy but also reflect respect for tarot culture. Here's a list of common tarot reading taboos:
1. No Readings for the Skeptical or Insincere
Tarot readings require querents to approach their questions with sincerity. If someone approaches a reading with doubt or merely "for fun," the results often lack accuracy. A genuine attitude is key to connecting with tarot energy, while a casual or joking attitude is forbidden.
2. Avoid Repeated Readings for the Same Question
Repeatedly reading for the same question interferes with tarot energy and leads to confused results. It's recommended to wait at least three months before reading about the same issue again, allowing sufficient time for situations to develop and avoiding unnecessary anxiety.
3. Don't Read About Life and Death Matters
Tarot cards aren't suitable for predicting death or serious health issues. Such questions involve complex causality and ethics, and readings may be inaccurate or cause psychological burden for the querent.
4. Avoid Readings That Violate Ethics
Tarot is not meant for intruding on someone else's private life, foretelling gambling results, or any other unethical use. A reading exists to offer perspective and guidance—not to indulge idle curiosity or improper wishes.
5. Skip a Reading When Your Mental State Is Poor
If either the reader or the querent is not in a good mental state—exhausted, down, or unwell, for instance—it's best not to read. At such moments, perception and judgment can be clouded, which may lead to unreliable readings.
6. Don't Read About Matters Unrelated to the Querent
A tarot reading should center on the querent's own concerns, not on arbitrary questions about other people or unrelated situations. Doing so can invade someone's privacy and also produce unreliable results.
7. Avoid Reading About Unrealistic Matters
Tarot mirrors reality, so it isn't suited to overly fantastical or unrealistic questions, such as "Will I win the lottery tomorrow?" Questions like these carry little practical value, and a reading can't offer meaningful guidance. For simple yes/no questions, try ourYes/No Tarotfor clearer guidance.
8. No Readings for Gambling Outcomes
Tarot should not be used to predict gambling or lottery results. Doing so goes against tarot ethics and may also encourage unhealthy speculative habits.
9. Readers Should Not Read When Unwell
A tarot reader needs focus and a sound mental state during a reading. When tired or emotionally unsettled, it's better to refrain, so accuracy isn't compromised.
Origins and Reasons for These Taboos
These taboos are not arbitrary rules; they come from tarot tradition and practical experience. The main reasons behind them are as follows:
Respecting Cultural Tradition
Tarot cards carry centuries of history and rich symbolic meaning. Honoring these traditions is a way of respecting both the tarot and yourself.
Protecting Reading Accuracy
By avoiding readings at the wrong time, place, or mindset, you reduce interference and give the results a firmer footing.
Maintaining Ethical Standards
Tarot should not be misused, especially when it comes to other people's privacy or unethical conduct. Observing taboos helps keep divination within ethical bounds.
How to Use Tarot Cards Correctly?
Maintain Sincerity and Respect
Before a reading, settle your mind through meditation or deep breathing, and approach the tarot cards with genuine respect.
(A classic love tarot spread question)
Before reading, shape specific questions and steer clear of vague or unrealistic ones. For instance, "How can I improve my work situation?" serves better than "What will my future be like?"
Choose Appropriate Time and Place
Pick a quiet, comfortable setting for your readings. Avoid noisy or distracting places so you can stay focused.
Follow Reading Procedures
Stick to the standard steps for shuffling, cutting, and drawing cards. Avoid making random changes, so the ritual quality and accuracy are preserved.
Approach Results Rationally
Tarot results are not fixed predictions of fate—they reflect current trends. Pair the reading with practical analysis to get the most guidance from it.
Conclusion
As a mysterious and ancient divination tool, tarot's taboos are a distillation of cultural tradition and practical experience. Understanding and observing them not only improves reading accuracy but also shows respect for this culture. Whether you're new to tarot or an experienced reader, sincerity, focus, and rationality are the keys to a successful reading.
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